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• August 11, 2008 1:11 PM
• On The Verge

Waste Not, Want Not: Mottainai's Efficient, Ecological Wares

By Annie Dolmatch

Whether your mother said, "Waste not, want not," or, "You better eat that…or else," the message was always clear. Carrying on in much the same vein is new luxury menswear label Mottainai, which roughly translates to "what a waste" in Japanese. The line, founded by FIT grads Luke McCann, Timothy Schmidtke, and Robert Lindo, blends meticulous detail, sharp tailoring, and ecological responsibility, wasting nothing in production.

Inspired by a lingering feeling or mood, period clothing, and the post-industrial landscape of Bushwick, Brooklyn—the label's home base—Mottainai is an intelligent, decisively modern collection made even better by its moral compass. A navy military-inspired coat is as functional as it is fashionable—perfect for the runway, yet all the pockets make it a must-have for fall. If you're wary about plunking down the dough for these goods at Bergdorf's, look at it this way: These clothes are built to last. Mother would be proud.

For more information go to www.mottainainy.com.

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